Contact Us
Family members influence a person’s gambling behaviours and these loved ones can play a role in contributing to, and preventing gambling problems. Studies found higher rates of gambling participation and harm in adolescents who lived with a parent who gambled. Parenting style can also influence an adolescent’s gambling participation. For example, studies suggest that gambling problems are less likely to occur if a parent is more authoritative and closely monitors their child’s behaviour.
Peers can also influence a person’s gambling behaviour. For example, having peers that are antisocial may increase an adolescents’ risk of developing gambling problems. Having ‘gambling friends’ or friends that only share a gambling interest, can also increase a person’s gambling participation. If the gambling friends take more risks when gambling, a person may respond competitively and bet outside of their limits.
Many people with gambling problems fail to seek formal treatment, so their family and friends can be a potential support. People do cope with gambling problems in different ways however, so loved ones may help or hurt the chances of obtaining proper treatment and support.
Studies are beginning to look at how intimate partner relationships influence gambling outcomes. Previous studies found problem gambling was related to an increase in dating and marital violence, and child abuse. The observed violence is thought to be influenced by factors such as young age, no full-time employment, anger and substance use issues.
Download the two-page Social Factors summary (PDF)
Also available in: Francais | Spanish | Mandarin
Download the Social Factors section from the Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling (PDF)
Download the complete Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling (PDF)
Search the Evidence Centre for Family and Peer Involvement